1.1. The meaning of the portents (ashrat) in linguistic terms
The word ashrat (portents) means signs. The singular of ashrat is sharat; it comes from a root referring to signs.

1.2. The meaning of the portents (ashrat) in Islamic terminology
In Islamic terminology, the word portents (ashrat) refers to the signs which will precede the Day of Resurrection and will signal its approach. Ibn Hajar said: “What is meant by the portents is the signs which will be followed by the onset of the Hour.”